How to choose a children's bike

Surely any child would be happy to have his own bike, because all children love to ride some kind of transport. The smallest children ride tricycles with great joy, and those who are older ask for a two-wheeled one, since they have already learned how to keep balance. Therefore, many parents are wondering how to choose a children's bike.

Plus, cycling is not only fun, but also improves your child's health. However, for this it is necessary to select a bicycle for the height and age of the child who will use such transport. In addition, the bicycle must have a sufficiently strong and comfortable structure so that the child can operate the bicycle without unnecessary discomfort.

Which brand of children's bike is the best to choose

In addition to being a kind of toy, a child's bicycle must demonstrate maximum reliability and safety. By the way, remember that you are buying a bicycle not for centuries, but for several years, because after this time the child will simply grow out of his transport, and then he will have to purchase a new bicycle.

For this reason, before asking the question of which child's bike to choose, it is necessary to give preference not to a fancy toy, but to a functional vehicle that will perfectly keep your child in the seat, as well as easily manageable so that the child quickly gets used to it. So it's best to choose a bike among the following brands:

• Puky;
• JAGUAR;
• Injusa;
• Rich Toys;
• Little Tikes.

Before buying, carefully familiarize yourself with all the characteristics of this type of transport, since you need to check in advance how this or that model will be suitable for your child. It is even recommended to conduct a kind of test drive, if the store where you buy the bike provides for this. Put the child on the bike and let him ride a little. It is important that your child feels comfortable and comfortable to hold the steering wheel. The height of the model must match his height, so the handlebars must be at the level of his chest.

What are the types of children's bicycles

There are very few varieties of children's bicycles, so in this case it all depends on which one your child prefers, as well as in which transport it will be more convenient for him.

Tricycles

A bicycle that stands on three wheels is also called a tricycle. It is intended for children under 2-3 years old. In fact, it provides your child with the necessary reliability, since he is just beginning to master transport of this level. In this case, there is no need to maintain balance, since this is already done by the third wheel. Your child's task in this case is to learn the very principle of control, so it will be enough for him to master the steering wheel and pedals.

Such bicycles are quite simple in design, so you can rest assured that your child will be able to master it and later switch to more complex models. The main advantage of these bicycles is stability, and this is the most important condition for a comfortable ride for your child.

For this reason, before choosing the right children's bike, be sure to consult with the seller so that he can provide you with several models of such bicycles for your age and height. You have to choose for your child individually, as every bike, even one type, has a lot of features.

Pros:

• due to the fact that the bike has three points of support, it is much more stable than any other model;
• by its weight, it is quite light, so, if necessary, you can easily transfer it from one place to another;
• Sturdy enough for their construction so that you and your child have nothing to worry about;
• models of this type are available in a wide variety of colors, which is why young children like them so much, in addition, such models can have a variety of patterns;
• also, such models have additional decorative elements, for example, small baskets, special handles for parents so that they can change the direction of the bike at any time, play modules, and many other elements that can be very useful;
• these can be relatively inexpensive compared to many other models.

Minuses:

• the wheels of such bicycles are often very loud and rather hard, so if you ride on asphalt, then get ready for the fact that your vehicle will constantly rattle and rattle;
• often, such models are not made folding, so that during transportation you can get a lot of trouble with them, and they will also take up quite a lot of space during storage.

Two-wheeled

Two-wheeled models are made especially for schoolchildren. In fact, this is the third stage after the tricycle. On such transport, the child should already be able to properly maintain balance, so that after a three-wheeled and four-wheeled transport it will be somewhat difficult for him to adapt.

However, you can quickly learn to ride on such a bike, it will be enough to just try it a couple of times, since in previous times the child must master the principle of such trips. Often, such bicycles are designed for children aged 7 and older, and the child's height should not be less than 130 cm or more than 150 cm. However, these figures are approximate, in this case, a lot may depend on the characteristics of the complexion of the child himself.

In terms of their design, such bicycles are not very different from sports or ordinary bikes, they are just a little smaller and focused on the growing body. Basically, these bicycles are children's copies of either stunt or mountain bikes. However, often in the markets you can only find walking versions. If you want a more extravagant model, you will have to search for it. Also, be sure that the cost of such a bike will be several times more expensive.

Pros:

• a huge selection of models, among which you will definitely choose exactly what you need for your child;
• such models have all the functions of adult bicycles, that is, there is even a speed switch;
• often, models of this type come immediately with folding frames, so it will be much easier to move them from one place to another, and they will also fit into the car perfectly if you want to ride in nature;
• two-wheeled bikes have a rather stylish design, so every child will love it.

Minuses:

• given their similarity to adult models, at least a little cycling experience will be required of the child.

Read also: Best price / quality bikes of 2020

Four-wheeled (2 + 2)

It is best to choose such models for a child as soon as he turns 4 years old, since in his build he obviously will not fit in a tricycle. In addition, he will be extremely uncomfortable in the seat that is installed in such models, he will need a more spacious tool, therefore, in the period from 4 to 7 years old, he will need a bicycle on four wheels.Before choosing a children's bike for height, you must take into account the individual characteristics of your child, since all children develop in their own way. However, for a four-wheeled bike, the child must be at least 105 cm and not taller than 130 cm.

In appearance, these bikes also resemble older bikes. Many of them have functionality similar to adult mountain or stunt bikes. Four-wheel models have not only a chain drive, but rather soft wheels on the sides. If necessary, you can simply remove such wheels and let your child try to ride a two-wheeled bicycle. In fact, this approach will be the most correct, since later you will have to move to a more adult model, and it will be better for your child to get used to it later.

Pros:

• these models are available with a wide variety of designs, from police colors to Formula 1 motifs, so your child will definitely be able to choose the vehicle that he will enjoy driving;
• there is a wide range to adjust not only the height of the seat, but also the height of the handlebars or pedals, so that you can adjust the bike in such a way that your child will be comfortable in it;
• small wheels on the sides not only do not interfere with riding, but if necessary, they will insure, especially if your child has just recently switched to a new type of bike;
• on a bicycle of this design, your child will learn to maintain balance many times faster than if he immediately switched to a two-wheeled bicycle;
• some models of these bicycles have a removable handle so that parents can control the entire ride.

Minuses:

• do not turn too sharply on such a bike, otherwise it may fall on its side;
• safety rollers can be constantly bent, so they must be periodically adjusted and tightened.

What to focus on when choosing a bike for a child

There are a huge number of parameters that you need to pay attention to when choosing a bike for a child. However, the most important thing, perhaps, is precisely growth, since all manufacturers take it as a basis. For this reason, when choosing a particular type of bike, be guided by the following data:

• if your child is no more than 1 meter, then a model with wheels no more than 12 inches is perfect for you;
• if your child has already grown up and his height is from 110 cm to 120 cm, then it is best to choose a model with rims with a diameter of 14-16 inches;
• if your child's height is gradually approaching 140 cm, then the bicycle should have wheels with a diameter of 18 cm to 20 cm;
• in adolescence, when choosing a bicycle, a child will be most comfortable on wheels with a diameter of 20 to 22 cm.

In addition to the size of the wheels and the bike itself, it is also necessary to take into account what material it is made of. There are several basic ones that will work best for your child's bike. These include:

• steel;
• Aluminium alloy;
• composite materials.

If your child is under 23 years old, then the tricycle can be made of hard plastic. This material is strong enough to support the weight of the child and provide him with a comfortable ride. You will not have to worry that the child may not cope with the control, since bicycles of this type are made specifically in such a way as to focus on an inexperienced rider.

For a preschool child, choose composite materials or aluminum alloy, since it is these materials that weigh slightly less than alloy using steel. Be guided by the rule that the less the bike weighs, the less traumatic it is. In addition, it will be much easier for a child to cope with such a unit if it has less weight.Steel and steel alloys are best reserved for teenage models once your child has learned to handle three and four wheel models.

The same principle applies to brakes. For example, hand brakes are best suited for teenage models, since at this age the child's hand is already strong enough and, if necessary, the reaction will work quickly. But at preschool age, the child is still not strong enough, so it is still better for him to ride a bicycle with a foot brake.

In the event that you are not sure which brakes will suit your child, you can consult with a specialist, or choose a model that will have combined brakes. This type of bike is best suited for those teens who are not yet quite sure how well their reactions might work.

The pedals are much simpler. The younger the child is, the lighter materials should be prioritized. For example, for preschoolers, opt for plastic pedals as they will be more comfortable for your child. But for a teenager, it is best to choose a bicycle with metal pedals, since he can already press them with more force when riding. In addition, it will allow him to quickly get used to adult models.